The New Mexico quarter is the 47th coin in the State Quarters collection. This Quarter features a unique design that was selected by the state to reflect its history and culture. About 1,000 suggestions were received from New Mexico residents, the Commission forwarded the top four ideas to the US Mint. The Zia Symbol over a topographical state outline was the final design chosen.

The Zia sun symbol was developed by the Zia Pueblo in New Mexico. The Zia Pueblo believed the sun symbol represented the giver of all good, who gave life in groups of 4. The symbol consists of a circle symbolizing life and love, and 4 groups of 4 rays that represent the 4 directions, the 4 seasons, the 4 phases of the day, (Sunrise, Morning, Noon & night), and the 4 divisions of life (childhood, youth, middle years & old age). The design also includes the state nickname "Land of Enchantment" and the year, "1912".

This State quarter is an uncirculated coin from the Denver Mint. Please keep the coins in their protective airtite coin holder provided to maintain their uncirculated condition.

In December 1997, America's most adventurous coin program became a reality when President Clinton signed legislation authorizing the U.S. Mint to issue the innovative 50 State Quarters collection. Starting in January 1999, each of the 50 states in the Union will be honored on a unique Quarter Dollar commemorative coin. As a result, mintages of each quarter only are to be just a fraction of the "normal" quarters are. The mint marks can be found to the right of George Washington's portrait on the obverse: the small "P" indicates the Philadelphia Mint and the small "D" refers to the Denver.